LGBTQ therapy, also known as LGBTQ affirming therapy, is vital to LGBTQ healthcare. While awareness about and acceptance of the different genders and forms of sexuality is gradually spreading, LGBTQ+ community members are still part of a minority/marginalized group. This places them at high risk of experiencing various issues due to widespread stigma and misunderstanding.
Common LGBTQ+ Issues
Here are some issues that the LGBTQ+ community struggles with:
- Discrimination and Prejudice
- Violence
- Legal Recognition
- Mental Health
- Healthcare Access
- Conversion Therapy
- Homelessness
- Bullying and Harassment
- Social Isolation
- Legal Protections
- Issues within the LGBTQ+ Community
- Identity Erasure
- Barriers to Family Planning
- Travel Concerns
- Access to Education
- Transitioning Challenges
Acceptance and Trust
It wasn’t long ago when Gender Dysphoria was listed as a “disorder” in DSM-5. LGBTQ+ community members experience a great deal of mistrust and unacceptance from their friends, family, and medical professionals who lack understanding.
Homophobia/Transphobia
Unfortunately, homophobia and transphobia are still widespread despite mass awareness and educational campaigns. Members of the LGBTQ+ community can face homophobia/transphobia at their workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, grocery stores, or any place they visit in routine life. Homophobia/transphobia can also result in discrimination by healthcare providers, leading to harmful or even life-threatening situations.
Lack of Awareness of LGBTQ+ Health Concerns
Healthcare settings that don’t specialize in LGBTQ+ care can place LGBTQ+ community members’ lives in danger. LGBTQ+ individuals on hormone blockers, hormone replacement therapy, or those who have undergone surgeries need healthcare professionals who understand LGBTQ care. Health professionals not using correct terms can trigger LGBTQ+ individuals. Mental health professionals who aren’t trained in LGBTQ affirming therapy can also worsen the mental health of LGBTQ individuals.
The above issues are the reasons why LGBTQ+ members need LGBTQ affirming therapy. The therapy helps them deal with their everyday life problems.
How LGBTQ Therapy Helps
LGBTQ therapy helps LGBTQ+ individuals deal with the following aspects of everyday life:
Reduces Stress
While stress has become a regular part of everyone’s life, LGBTQ+ individuals are at higher risk of experiencing it, and that too more intensely. However, LGBTQ therapy can help reduce their stress by allowing them to navigate life better.
Helps Cope with Mental and Physical Health Problems
LGBTQ+ community members often doubt their feelings and emotions when faced with backlash and unacceptance from those close to them. This can trigger anxiety and depression and lead to various physical health issues. LGBTQ affirming therapy helps them accept themselves, become confident in facing life’s obstacles, and improve their health.
Enables Dealing with Relationship Problems
Coming out to their close and loved ones can negatively impact the relationships of LGBTQ+ individuals. In LGBTQ therapy, community members can sign up for couples or family counseling to maintain their close bonds with family members. They can also opt for group therapy that allows them to share their experiences.
Reduces/Treats Gender Dysphoria
Gender dysphoria refers to feelings of conflict between one’s assigned gender and the gender one identify with. A mental health professional who understands gender dysphoria and its negative impact on health can help one deal with it in practical ways. Affirming mental health professionals can also assist one in the beginning and navigating through their journey to become who they are. LBGTQ therapy also alleviates anxiety over one’s internal emotions and helps them process their feelings.
Here at Clay Therapeutic Services we have several therapists who specialize in LGBTQ therapy.
Therapists Specializing in LGBTQ+
Diana Tumasz
